What You Need to Know about Colon Cancer Screening.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of a condition called gastro-esophageal reflux. A specialized muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is located at the lower end of the food pipe (esophagus). This opens during swallowing to allow food to pass into the stomach and then quickly closes to prevent the movement (reflux) of food and stomach acid back into the esophagus.
However, the LES muscle does not always work perfectly. Heartburn/acidity occurs when the LES muscle either relaxes inappropriately or is weak. This allows stomach juices to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion and usually occurs after meals. Acid reflux may also cause other symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, hoarseness of voice, chronic cough, asthma, chest pain and a feeling of persistent lump in the throat.
What does heartburn feel like?
Heartburn is a discomfort behind the breast-bone with a burning quality which may travel upward toward the neck. Patients may also notice a feeling of food or liquid coming up into their throat or mouth (regurgitation), especially when bending over or lying down. These symptoms are usually associated with a bitter or acid taste in the mouth.
Is Heartburn Serious?
Usually heartburn is not serious. Heartburn and reflux are very common. However, frequent or severe heartburn can limit daily activities and productivity and can lead to further complications such as bleeding due to esophageal ulcers, narrowing of the food pipe which can cause a difficulty in eating solid food, a pre-cancerous lining of the esophagus called barrett's esophagus, lung problems, inflammation of the throat, voice box and airways.
How is acid reflux diagnosed?
Acid reflux can be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. However, some tests may be required for diagnosis and to determine the severity as well as to diagnose complications. The most commonly performed test in the diagnosis of acid reflux is an upper endoscopy. The patient is given a sedative followed by introduction of a thin lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope into the esophagus and stomach to inspect the lining. If necessary, a biopsy may need to be taken for further testing.
How to control acid reflux?
The following are general lifestyle measures one can take to reduce heartburn/acidity:
Beginning at age 50, men and women should have, at a minimum:
An annual stool occult blood test;
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years, or a colonoscopy every ten years;
A digital rectal exam at the time of each screening sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema.
Important: You should begin screening earlier if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, rectal bleeding or long-standing inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis disease.
Colon cancer is often preventable. TRUE Colorectal cancer is highly preventable. Screening tests such as colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy may detect polyps (small, grapelike growths on the lining of the colon). Removal of these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The preceding information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.
Avoid lying down right after eating and within two to three hours of bedtime.
Elevate the head of the bed by four to six inches. This can be accomplished by placing
wooden/cement blocks under the feet of the head end of the bed or by
inserting a wedge between
the bed and mattress.
Lose weight if overweight.
Stop smoking and minimize consumption of alcohol.
Avoid eating large meals. Instead, eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid certain food products like:
Chocolate
Excessive tea/coffee
Fried and fatty foods
Mint products (i.e., peppermint, spearmint)
Carbonated beverages, and citrus fruits or juices
Tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard and vinegar
If symptoms do not improve despite changes in diet, medications may be required such as antacid preparations which neutralize acid in stomach or certain medications which block acid secretion by the stomach.
When to seek medical advice?
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
Heartburn several times a week
Heartburn that returns soon after your antacid wears off
Heartburn that wakes you up at night
Symptoms that persist even though you're taking heartburn medications
